2004

At this point, Sharek had developed the capacity for financial independence. Sharek registered as a Not-for-Profit NGO with the Palestinian Authority – Ministry of the Interior.

Step Forward Programme initiated

(Jul) Separation barrier is declared a violation of international law

(Oct) Israel conducts  17-day offensive Operation Days of Penitence in the northern Gaza Strip

(Nov) Yasser Arafat dies

2005

The core programmes continued to be established with the Partners and Bridges Programmes.  “Be the Change” introduced.

(Jan) Mahmoud Abbas  is democratically elected President of the Palestinian Authority

(Aug) Israel withdraws unilaterally from Gaza

2006

Now well established, Sharek continued work in each of the core programmes and initiated campaigns on, participating in elections, anti smoking and the environment.

It also took part in the Summer Games in Gaza

 (Jan) Hamas wins election  and governed the Gaza Strip

2007

Building on the campaigns from 2006 Sharek established the Dynamic Human Rights Unit Project, continued the Safe Playgrounds for Children project, Sea Camps “Safety First” Project in Gaza and introduced the “Why Not” – Internet exchange project

 (Jun) Israeli blockade of Gaza begins

(Dec) Annapolis Talks

2008

2008 was a busy year for Sharek.  The Youth Business Support Units Project was launched, the International Award for Excellence and Creativity was given to Sharek for its work and a youth delegation met former US President Jimmy Carter.  The advocacy and research work continued with the publication of several reports and the initiation of a stream of reports to increase the understanding of youth issues.

(Feb) Israel launches “Operation Warm Winter”

(Dec) Israel begins War in Gaza “Operation Cast lead”

2009

2009 began with the continuation of the War in Gaza and Sharek activities focused on responding to the immediate crisis by launching the 30,000 Campaign. Providing psychosocial and educational supports to children and youth in Gaza was a strong feature of the year including participation in Annual Summer Games in Gaza.  Once the situation in Gaza began to stabilize, Sharek developed its new 5-year strategy to take it into the new decade.

(Jan) War in Gaza “Operation Cast lead” ends

(Sep) Goldstone Report : United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict

2010

Sharek Youth Forum started to develop and  apply their lobbying and advocacy strategy

Forum’s premises in Gaza and Rafah broken into and materials confiscated  

Deterioration of status of rights, freedoms and democracy in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Implementation of “Life is a Right” project (first regional project run by the Forum) in addition to starting the preparations for the launch of an initiative aiming at empowering the Palestinian youth in Lebanon.

Continuing the implementation of quality projects in the field of education, vocational training, social creativity, capacity building of graduate young persons and preparation of position papers on sensitive issues related to the youth reality in Palestine.

Failure of all negotiations that aimed to end the Palestinian division

Deepening of the political, economic and social gap between the West Bank and Gaza Strip

Postponement of the elections of the Palestinian local councils in the West Bank

Intensification of Israeli settlements in Jerusalem

Attack on the Freedom Ship in the international waters opposite to Gaza coast

Entering in direct negotiations with the Israelis